Page 28 of Loving Lizzy

“I decided on scrambled eggs and toast. Kassie thawed a smoothie for me and it’s delicious. I’ll be up and pushing your wheelchair around in no time,” she shot him a grin.

Playfully wagging his finger at her, he made a face before disappearing around the corner.

“Michael’s using a wheelchair?” Kassie asked.

“No. I attempted to make him relax yesterday and I succeeded in making him feel uncomfortable,” her voice turned sad.

Kassie rubbed Lizzy’s knee. “Give him time. The woman he loves is hurt and he’s worried. Once he sees you’re on the mend, he’ll relax.”

“I’m ready to head back and get washed up when you’re set.” Lizzy slowly removed the blanket covering her and prepared to get up with Kassie’s assistance.

A loud thud on the coffee table made her jump as Michael rushed to her side.

“What do you think you’re doing? I’ll help you,” he chastised.

Kassie rolled her eyes behind him, making Lizzy stifle a grin.

“She will help me freshen up and wash off. Eat your breakfast while it’s still hot,” she ordered.

“I can help you bathe and dress,” he argued.

Lizzy hesitated. “Kassie’s here and you’re eating. I want to enjoy the all-season room for a bit. After you finish, can you please add pillows to the couch and bring my blanket? And I can’t find my e-reader either.” She searched around her chair as Kassie aided her to a standing position.

Michael stood with his hands on his hips, wearing a frown. “I packed it in the overnight bag. I’ll take it to the sunroom.”

Kassie hung on to her as she crept like an old lady from the living room to their bedroom and finally into the bathroom. Lizzy sat on the vanity chair, completely exhausted.

Giving her a minute to catch her breath, her friend gathered towels and turned on the water to warm. She pulled the body wash from the shower and set it on the sink. She held a special shower cap in her hand.

“Oh, I can’t shower yet,” Lizzy told her confused.

“Samantha made this for you. We put it over your head and massage it. It cleans your hair and smells like tea tree. She’s experimenting.”

“Oh, how lovely, I already resigned myself to dealing with dirty hair. I washed it the night before surgery.” She took the hat and examined it while Kassie filled the sink with hot water. She wet Lizzy’s face and applied a facial cleanser and wiped it off with a cloth. Then she placed the shower cap on her head and began rubbing it.

“I already feel better,” she moaned.

Pulling out a top from a bag and a pair of comfy leggings, Kassie explained, “I’ll give you a few minutes of privacy. Samantha sent these over. She’s an expert at picking sizes and the top buttons in front for access to your drainage tubes, fits loosely and feels soft.”

“You sold me at soft. Do you think they’ll present a problem?” Lizzy asked as Kassie led her over to the toilet.

“Nope, they’re super stretchy. I used them while my leg healed. You’ll want a pair in every color,” she assured her. “I’ll step out. You holler when you’re done. Don’t get up without me. If you need help, I do this for a living, so don’t be embarrassed,” Kassie used her mom voice.

Lizzy rolled her eyes, “Yes, mom.”

She shut the door behind her. When Lizzy finished, she called for her friend. The door immediately opened, and Kassie walked to her side. They made their way back to the vanity.

“I’ll check your bandages and rewrap them if needed. Don’t try to lift your arms, let me do the work,” she instructed.

In no time at all, Lizzy found herself clean and the leggings felt like a dream. She let Kassie slip her arms through the sleeves of the blouse and button it. “This material feels amazing,” she marveled as she rubbed the sleeve with her other hand.

“Samantha has a knack for these things. Ready for some sunshine?” Kassie strolled next to her offering support as Lizzy held the support pillow to her chest.

When they made it to the sunroom, her mouth dropped open in surprise. Michael had moved the second recliner into the area.

“Since the guys gifted us the reclining bed, I figured you might enjoy the chair out here while recuperating. We can always get another one for our room or put this back once you’re healed.” He stood sheepishly in the room with his hands in his pockets.

“I love the idea. If you can grab my computer, we can furniture shop online. This room turned out lovely and I want to search ideas for something comfortable and soothing to keep the vibe.” She scanned the room with a critical eye.

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